[Chinese BL novel] 豪门炮灰开始发飙 by 冷耳 / The cannon fodder of the wealthy family began to act crazy

I have such a dislike for this novel, especially when I finally finished reading it and got to the part that interested me. Because that part is not bad. But the rest of it... let me explain.

The story is about Lu Ran who was reborn. He is the youngest son of the Shen family who was lost when he was four. Later the Shen family actually adopted a kid from an orphanage and gave Lu Ran's original name Shen Xingran to the adopted son.

But later Lu Ran was found back, but no one in the family was accepting him, Lu Ran desperately tried to fit in but it never happened. Later he was implicated many times and even was in a car accident that left him immobile for a decade, only to rarely see his family coming over.

After being reborn Lu Ran decided that since his family is so vile, he will be even more mean and from there he sometimes had the crazy moments of doing whatever he wanted to make the Shen family unstable.

Why I almost hated this novel is the crude and vulgar "humor". The thing is several times Lu Ran used either shit or toilet water to threaten people around him. The first evening he came around he made his dog poop and threaten the family with it (holding the plastic bag with the shit). Later he "punished" people by shoving them into toilets...It happened so many times that I lost count. And I have no idea if it's author's way of joking or there is no worse scenario than being dipped in shit, but I just felt disgusted all the time.

At first the family acts strange, but there is not real foreshadowing at first, only later I continued reading because you have an idea that his disappearance, this family and other things are not simple. And this is the only part that I could praise.

Because each family member at different times remembered the day when Lu Ran disappeared and they all have different experience about it, but they all feel guilty, not knowing that others feel the same guilt and the consequent actions of each member depended on that very day.

And we have a full explanation why the older brother Shen Xingyu is so cold. Why the second brother Shen Xingzhou is almost crazy about protecting fake Xingran. Why Mrs. Shen always protects and dotes on the adopted son and why the father Shen Hongyuan acts so weirdly.

Truth should be told from the previous generation and Lu Ran's grandfather. He built his family business by himself, but he was not satisfied with the next generation and was holding onto power for many years. His son actually followed all the arrangements, but this started to make the Mr Shen dissatisfied again. Like how can you rule the business if you're so gullible. He cast his eyes on the next generation. He started with the eldest grandson, but that started to cry how he missed his family and was let go, the second grandson was out of question because he was naughty and the next was Lu Ran. He lived with old Mr Shen since he was two. Through glimpses of the past we see that Lu Ran is very caring and considerate, but there was no one to care.

We know that Mr Shen died because he had problems with sugar level. But only by the very end we find out that it was man-made. Because his own son drugged him.

And we also find out that Lu Ran disappeared not because of negligence, but pretty much man-made too, because he saw his own father with the syringe at night. His father was afraid of being told by a 4 year old.

Then the famous scene of a travel came around. Almost each member had their own car / RV. So not a single person noticed that a kid disappeared, but they all had a guilty consciousness, only Shen Hongyuan took it as opportunity.

Shen Xingzhou made a fuss that he wanted cake as the youngest, but then changed to ice-cream.

Shen Xingyu gave the youngest a cold shoulder when was asked to go together for ice-cream, because he was under too much pressure from young age under his father. He acted this way with Lu Ran all the time, although Lu Ran did nothing, but basically father lashed at Xingyuand Xingyu being immature did the same.

Mrs Shen just had an argument with her husband, so she also sent the young son away with irritation.

Shen Hongyuan actually saw his kid walking away, but at the last moment he stopped. He agreed to move as if nothing happened, when things were revealed he made appearances as if he went to search, while he didn't. Later he even prevented people from searching. All until he had to tell his father the truth. His father lashed out at him, but the next time they met he was calm. He knew that his own son said outside that he's going to die, that his son wanted power. But he broke that dream, he announced that he will leave everything to little Lu Ran. if he wants the family business, he might find the kid back.

But the kid is lost and Mr Shen is above him, in desperate move Hongyuan got Mr Shen the lethal dose. After his death he was actually blackmailed by his own brother and his mistress, since she was a caregiver and filmed the process. Later with Mr Shen gone he took a young boy outside and gave him the name Shen Xingran. Because the will said - youngest son Shen Xingran. And fake Xingran is youngest. This was just in case, because he forged the will and lived for years like that.

Mrs Shen found an outlet while everyone blamed her for being irresponsible (quite common for these novels). Shen Xingyu changed his ways because of this incident since he blamed himself and Shen family was above all, even if it was by wronging Lu Ran. Xingzhou forgot his brother but with the adopted son he found the outlet, even if he did not remember the events due to high fever.

So what Lu Ran knows as a novel and protagonist Shen Xingran has such a sinister flavor underneath it.

Even in his last life the car accident was most likely done by his own father. From the very beginning his father was nervous about him because he was afraid his son will remember those things and everything he had done will be out.

So this story behind everything and how each member thought it was thir fault, the explanation behind their actions I don't consider bad.

But all that toilet stuff and basically the dragged the fuck out novel (130 chapters) that has many repetitive moments is just not it.

The ML of this novel is Ji Min, he was unlucky that the novel was written in '23 when disabled bosses were still popular. No worries, like any other big boss he will be cured.

They met by chance when he saw Lu Ran saving his dog, it's an old dog named DaHuang who was thrown out by Shen family, because Shen Xingran fake cried he was bitted (DaHuang has no teeth to bite) and also another rich dude under instigation of Second young master Shen was going to hit DaHuang with a car. I mean what can be more vicious.

After that they crossed paths, but had misunderstanding, especially because Lu Ran never clarified rumors that he was not illegitimate child (spread by Shen Xingran) and Ji Min's situation is due to illegitimate brother.

Later they got closer and he acted like protective elder, but because I cared none (wanted just the family story) I skipped a lot of their parts and how they fell in love. I mainly didn't care because a lot of that disgusting humor was present between the two as well.

Honestly, so much toilet trash. I think there were several scenes of just feeding people toilet water with drinks and people would find out and shout - okay if you don't want to do business then don't, there is not need to do tehse messy things.

Damn even the justification of why eventually Shen Xingran betrayed his family was not that bad. After all he always knew he was adopted, he figured temperaments of everyone and he found out about the will and other things, he just wanted to flee the country but was caught in time.

But before that all those cheap green tea moment when he cated all innocent or wronged just ruined the damn picture so much.

Thus it became a mix of their own core idea that was not bad, mix of cliche and generic stuff and disgusting humor.

How am I supposed to rate it? But I definitely ranted as I wanted. Initially I didn't want to mention it at all. Not even write it down into my planner, which helps me keep track on things. But later I reached the point of finally finding things out (kept secret for entire novel) and I just couldn't stay silent.

RATE: 1/5. Fuck it.

PS: After posting decided to check if this novel is on NU, since it's at least few years old. And it is. I'm not going to delete my rant here though :)

[Chinese BL novel] 虐文主角受的小爸重生了 by 江云岚 / The dad of protagonist in sadistic novel is reborn

Summary: Jiang Shunian was reborn. He realized that his son is the protagonist of old and bloody sadistic novel. But how can this old father's heart handle everything that happened to his son that he saw. How his lovely child who had to grow up without parents was coerced by such a villain.

But now Shunian thought that he has to do something, he has to prepare enough that in case he's gone Nuonuo will be financially free.

But he did not expect that he will meet the other father and find out that actually a person missed him for four years. That night they were respectively plotted against by people (Shunian refused to be sent to the bed of a boss and Yalin was too successful and young and blocked the path of others in his family company), but after many years fate brings them together again.

I have such a polaryzing opinion about this novel!

I'm not against the topic of mpreg in the BL novels. Although it's niche, like whatever.

The kid is cute, of course it's a genius cub that doesn't talk or thinks like a cub at all, classic novel exaggeration. but what got to me was completely different. And this novel has to bear it, I can only say that stars aligned and I can't help but be grumpy how it went from quite high expectations to crashing disappointment.

It started really cute, I don't mind if the novel will be cozy instead of adding a false thrill which this novel did. Jiang Shunian was plotted against by his family, but he refused unspoken rules. He still digested a bit of drugged wine, but had enough strength to escape and this is how he crossed path with Fu Yalin. They had a wild night, but Shunian asked not to turn on the lights and when he woke up he slipped away not to be noticed. Later he was banned, moved to a smaller county and later realized he was pregnant. Now that his son is over three he is "reborn" and decides that nothing earns money like his previous occupation - acting. 

He asked his old friend for introduction and actually got it. From here he appeared not only in drama but his son, Jiang Yunnou, or simply Nounou appeared in front of the audience as well in the parent-child travel show. This is how Fu's family butler noticed Nounou and took it upon himself to confirm.

The Fu family parents were very accepting and loving and excited. They fell in love with Nounou right away. Like most of the program and barrage. Later Fu Yanlin appeared, he actually found Shunian earlier than his parents, but when he heard about the kid he couldn't step so low as snatch people away. Only later he realized his mistake.

The bonding lasted like one passage, they bonded easily with his son and the rest time was spent on pursuing Shunian, since he did not plan to fall in love. So most of the novel is spent on coaxing your wife.

My main dissatisfaction would be a change in Fu Yalin from more stoic to basic ML of BL. I mean it, he is even 30, which is the base of the bases. He became more posessive, jealous and also, having strange ideas about how to dress Shunian in this or that and thinking about Shunian and bed practically all the time after he first tasted meat (and before that too). Excuse me, I don't find it attractive when MLs want to dress their partners in maid outfits or anything feminine, like where do they get this idea suddenly when they were chaste all this time, doesn't it sound bad if he suddenly has kinks after getting a partner (no kink shaming, but it's just weird how ML acts) or any other cosplay, especially ears. Where this shit comes from? In general Yanlin is quite a good character, a good partner and a loving parent to his kid, if he never suffered from BL ML pathalogy that authors insist on it'd be so much better. 

I would also prefer if it stayed just a cozy novel (and I wish it was shorter). But we had to include dealing with the "boss" who forced Shunian to unspoken rules in the first place. The other protag belongs to the same family and it's basic family of villains, named Qin. Yet the way this novel deals with them is so shallow, unlike the first meeting where Shunian really was stressed and I felt it may get more interesting, the rest is like - Fu Yalin knows what to do, he's doing it, he did it. All descriped with one passage. Kid you not, Yanlin at times told Shunian about the progress, but it's basically just words - Qin family has someone to rely on, I'm going to collect evidence. Then he talked to Shunian in same manner - It will be done soon. And after it all there are just few details about some of wrong-doings, which mainly was about forcing stars like Shunian, it was basically said the guy was taken away for investigation, that's it.

Another point. Have no idea why another couple was added, it was so blackboard. Are they protags from somewhere else? Tbh I didn't care, they were too shallow in the story to care. 

Point four. The story became too fantasy and convenient at some point. Like Nuonuo is such a genius child, but we don't stop there, I can understand a lot of things, but that kids (two kids who are also transparent but were Nuonuo's playmates for several months since they stayed with the Fu family as a favor) traded in stocks.. hardly. Shunian believes it's because the world is a book. Nuonuo always talks more like an adult than a kid. There may be a moment in the end that "hints" that Nuonuo may be like others and knows his fate. But it doesn't work in the beginning where Nuonuo's thoughts about the fathers are transparent and more childlike. But it's not the main fantasy point it's how everyone treated Shunian and his pregnancy the same positive way (he also confessed to it in the end in front of the world), no one doubting him. Oh yeah, how could I forget. The fact that Shunian told Yalin about this world being a book and the guy believed without an ounce of suspicion.

Point five would be that, can we stop making people outside protagonist group going all Ah and Oh when they see how beautiful~ they are. Honestly, it's a novel, characters are handsome beyond words all the time, but it gets tiresome when everyone around them mentions the fact much too often to my taste. They're pretty, we get it.

And I say it started well, because it did. Shunian had a great relationship with his kid, had a great friend who helped to connect and the scene where he meets the main male lead of the drama he participated in, who felt threatened with Shunian's looks and wanted to chase him, this is the moment that made me feel this novel might have its own thing when Shunian did not go against this person, but because he researched about co-stars he tried to talk and hoped it will work. And indeed it did. So I was like - woah, we can peacefully solve things, good.

But from then on and farther down the path the novel became the one word - generic. Events are generic, descriptions are generic and the development of the relationship is generic. Lol even the fact that Shunian couldn't accomodate Yalin due to size and thus the guy thought of medicine jade, I read something recently and ffs it also had the same stuff lol Like this thing decided to haunt me for a sec. This is the only impression I got because I felt like these characters lacked individuality. Outside the fact that Shunian was made the "stupid" of the house, not as intelligent as husband and child who are super IQ, not just a silly boy, his character at least was nice and kind and it was shown through actions from the beginning. But he had emotional parts when he met the foe of the Qin family. While Yalin really felt too tropey. The kid was cute, although cliche at times, but still the kid is the cute part. 

By the end I was just skipping parts because I got tired of it. maybe if I wasn't as grumpy or this was my first novel and not "another one" in the chain of look-alikes, then I could have reacted differently. But at the moment I don't really care.

Yet the main mad at the end is the fact that now I need to breathe and chill from reading before I continue with any other book, simply because I'm the mood reader most of the time and being irritated won't help, even lessen the impression of anything I might read next.

RATE: 3/5.

[NOVELS] King of Sloth by Ana Huang

Charming, easygoing, and rich beyond belief, Xavier Castillo has the world at his fingertips. 

He also has no interest in taking over his family’s empire (much to his father’s chagrin), but that hasn’t stopped women from throwing themselves at him…unless the woman in question is his publicist. 

Nothing brings him more joy than riling her up, but when a tragedy forces them closer than ever, he must grapple with the uncertainty of his future—and the realization that the only person immune to his charms is the only one he truly wants.  

***

Cool, intelligent, and ambitious, Sloane Kensington is a high-powered publicist who’s used to dealing with difficult clients. 

However, none infuriate—or tempt—her more than a certain billionaire heir, with his stupid dimples and laid-back attitude. 

She may be forced to work with him, but she’ll never fall for him…no matter how fast he makes her heart beat or how thoughtful he is beneath his party persona. 

He’s her client, and that’s all he’ll ever be. Right?

Kings of Sin. Book 4

I will start from the main point - I liked it.

I finished this before I finished Book 3, that's true, but I was too invested in this story and Sloane as a character to put it down. I was simply fascinated by the settings, sometimes I like to read about the "ice queens" (if Sloane was real she'd side-eye me for this). But I feel like author paid more attention to this one or I simply prefer how the story was presented. There are more pieces and snippets that gave this story more life outside the framework plotline.

Now that I've read about her, I know her past and how she came here, I'm pretty sure I appreciate her the most out of the group of four. Let's admit it, all of these women were born into money, they grew up differently and had different family situations. But Vivian had her family as a backup to start her own business, her connections to the wealthy allowed her business to thrive (FMCs business always thrives, don't ask why, I actually have questions why none of the events were described in details for me to appreciate the ideas behind it), Isabella was actually a heiress of her family, I'm pretty sure they would never dump her, because they love her so much. Alessandra started business out of hobby (I kinda saw the spoilers of what will happen to them, I have not reached that point in reading yet), but she still had her husband as a support. But Sloane severed the ties with her family and they would want nothing more but to trip her, it's good she was so far away from them. So she also has connections to the wealthy, but I still find her path was thornier.

Also unlike other FMCs of previous books at least Ana gives more details and snippets of Sloane's clients, it gives a more vivid picture of her work.

Wrong to compare, but as I said, heard none of the details about Vivian's style of doing things except generic terms of "party" or "gala". What I mean by this is a certain description of surroundings etc. Just give you an example. As an avid reader of historical romance and one of the authors I follow is Lisa Kleypas, she has a book titled "Then Came You" in this book there is a description of gambling house masquerade, which had Rome Empire theme, with vivid descriptions of girls painted and standing on pedestals, colums, and yards of fabric. Simple, but you can imagine those things. So you can imagine me thirsting for those details and not getting them.

Same with Isabella, she wrote a novel, can you say anything about her story outside that she wrote thriller erotica? We know more that dinosaur erotica is their thing, but know nothing about her book and why it's good. Because otherwise, why should we care?

This is why it was surprising to find the more or less imaginative settings of Book 4. Travel to Spain, beach, yachts, parties. New York, luxurious hotels, cozy townhouse. Stuff like that made the story more like a picture for me. What a tangent I went on.

Sloance's background is a bit melodramatic but it feets the vibe the author is going for (and honestly there are ppl like her family out there). 

But Xavier's story is damn tragic. But that explains his character. How he became the Sloth of the Kings. It's not about laziness, it's more about disappointments, being languid and going with the flow, while not having an anchor that will allow you to finally stand up. For him it became Sloane. He recovered his desires for life, for action.

And their relationship, the way they went through it together. It was quite nice. The support and how they could confide in each other. Although they were together for so long but suddenly it's like the cliche - only this person is for me. The feels~

Oh yeah, it's quite cute that author includes all characters from her universe. At the mention of Asher Donovan for who knows how many times I went to Ana's bookshelf to see the books she's written to find and yeah, he's a character from The Striker. When I found out I felt like - I knew you had a book!

But I have no idea how the rest of the books will turn out.

Alessandra actually just happened to become part of the four. I felt like it was inorganic to just include her, it would be lovely if it was some more bonding story behind it (again, haven't read the 3rd book yet, maybe there will be more details on how she became the 4th girl).

But who will become 6th and 7th? We know the FMC of the 5th is the supermodel Ayana and MMC is Vuk Marcovic aka the Serb. Honestly, when you have the cast and then you start adding on top of that it doesn't feel that interesting. Of course it is intriguing to hear about the always silent person and Ayana got a bit of foreshadowing too. I'm sure others will come along. But it still feels like extra person, instead of someone from the circle so far. Not that they have to, def. not, but I like it when they have the initial cast to explore. Oh yeah, imagine my surprise when I knew Alessandra was FMC of the 3rd book when we started from other 3 girls lol. You never know with these authors.

My only critique would be:

• In the beginning Sloane felt like she switched from client to "I started to notice this guy too much" a bit abruptly to me. Like it took one week in Spain, when actually he was such an ass for giving her more work. This is what I found funny, like he liked to rile her up, but wanted her to have a vacation, but his parties what made her up working so much. The irony~. In previous books she left so many meetings early because of him.
• EVERY BOOK HAS BREAK UP/MAKE UP section. lol. I don't say they're not organic or don't fit the story, though sometimes it does feel forced. But when all books have it, it starts to feel weird. Can't we leave without this additional final drama? I guess not. I know that a book without it is actually more rare. When I look back I feel - ah yes, there are so many romance stories that have this part.
• Oh yeah, the (spoilers) sabotage at the end. It felt smudged. Like why including the part where Xavier notices "someone" familiar, but then this feeling passes, then fire, then Alex confirms it was actually man-made, but the result of it is underwhelming. Like such a big thing. I think I read too many Chinese novels, they would include something like the first fire was also man-made (btw I have a question who took him out in that fire, never mentioned) and now someone from his family targets him so he won't get his inheritance. I tell you, Chn novels would spin that drama the f*** out.

RATE: 4,5/5.

[SHORT REVIEWS] #20

I hope it's number 20 *lost count*, it's been a while.

我和死对头互相垂涎对方的……

(mtl: My mortal enemy and I covet each other's ...)

[BL] Ongoing. Summary: Qin Wensi and Shen Nanzhi has been at odds since they were little. They considered each other as mortal enemies, but one accident made them realize that they might dislike each other in life, but they are quite compatible in bed. One thing led to another and they were in this "hate" relationship, but do they actually hate each other?

I've been following this one, it progresses pretty quickly and is fast-paced. 

Shen Nanzhi comes not from a happy family, he has a biological father Shen Wencai who is at the helm of the Shen company, his biological mother committed suicide around National Day. So his father did not wait too long before he re-married another woman and has been presenting a loving couple for many years. And despite the fact that Shen Nanzhi is smart and accomplished, Shen Wencai is too biased towards his younger son, to the point where he easily can give almost finished project to the younger brother (basically robbing Nanzhi of his accomplishments).

On the other hand Qin Wensi comes from a loving household, Nanzhi envies the Qin parents in his heart. Compared to Wensi Nanzhi thinks his heart is too dark. But Wensi, despite being called a silly dog all day long is actually quite intelligent, not as smart as Nanzhi, but he can do it if he wants to. It's just that he prefers being athletic to the company.

They came together because Nanzhi was drugged, but later they decided to "try it out" and shifted to physical relationship. But all that "hate" isn't actually present, you can feel that they actually care and know about each other more than anyone else.

The two main characters are quite compatible and their chemistry is good and this is what I liked. 

妈妈我再也不敢了[快穿]

(mtl: Mom, I won't dare do it again!)

[BG] On-going. Summary: Yun Xi is a devil cultivator, because she failed tribulation to nourish her soul she is sent to worlds where she must deal with OG host and their children, to grant the OG host's wish and to nourish her soul as a result.

Well, this is Lan Gui (*mtl name), I have read several of their novels, the most recent review was on Is there such a good thing? which I liked, but this one has landed in the previous category of, well, it's author's usual style.

What gets me is that they don't really change when it comes to portrayal of their character. Their FMC should be these good and motivated characters. And I don't know, it's quite boring tbh. I just partially read the first arc where a mother in the 70's has raised four of her children, but none of them is filial and they also do not respect their mother for her contribution to the family, they simply want more and more (such one-sided situation). So FMC's task isn't that big of a deal, she lives by herself, separated from her children and does not require anything from them and they can live however they want. But because of this situation it dropped a shadow on all four children and they "suffered" in one way or another. Like for example the second son was dismissed from his teacher's job and his wife lost her job too. Although I have no idea how serious the talks could influence someone's livelihood. Anyway, the better the FMC was living the worse her children were doing, because they were brought each time she had some achievement. But being honest, the situation where her children are all basically adults does not bring anything new. Her first son is an adult with a kid (but FMC is described as being 45?), second son also has a family, third son is a sucker, while the daughter also had dreams of finding someone great (both married educated youths right before the exams). And I just stopped reading from there, because it's honestly nothing new. Even the previous novel I think was better because FMC turned the tide around and made the lives of people around her better.

Also Lan Gui started and finished another QT (with FMC having her thoughts read), but they finished it after 3 arcs? I did not bother to read that one.

But I might return to this novel again. I sometimes hate-read their novels, because I want some entertainment, but I often can't find one that will satisfy me, so I land on things I know are predictable, but I can read them.

无间

(mtl: Internal affairs)

[BL] On-going. Summary: There's been murders happening and deputy captain Lu Yan discovered that all victims had one person in common - a man named Shen Qiao.

Author 二月竹, the one who wrote Backtracking, the novel I loved a lot. this one is their new installment, so I have certain expectations. I can't say much, because it only started (by the time I'm typing this there are only 9 chapters released so far). But the premise is intriguing and I usually don't tend searching a mystery type of novel. If it wasn't for Backtracking I wouldn't be here. I'm personally surprised by the switch in the plot content of this author, because I read one of their earlier novels and they tended towards cliche and tropes more. But I might as well re-read to make sure.

❧

My "western" TBR became quite extensive (it sounds weird but what can I do, I'm not even sure why I decided to add these here, I usually mention only Chinese novels, but since I started reading western books last year I basically post when I finish them, but don't mention those I'm interested in, or those I'm currently reading in similar "short reviews" posts, will it be a one time thing or I will post more about the books I'm interested in I have no idea, we'll see). There are three books at the moment that I started simultaneously that I'm interested in.

King of Greed and King of Sloth. Kings of Sin Book 3 & 4 by Ana Huang.

As mentioned in the review post I was thinking about Sloane all the time I was reading the second book, I have no idea why this girl intrigued me so much, but I sometimes have one character that interests me the most when I read a series. But here's a thing, her book is the 4th one and I have a problem when it comes to these, I need to read them in order, you know, like a tick. But this time I'm breaking the rule and try to read both simultaneously. And of course the magic of reading what interests you more is at work, it's really easy to pick up and hard to put it down.

Book 3 covers the relationship between Alessandra and Dominic Davenport, mentioned in book 2 the most, the foreshadowing of break in their relationship. It's kinda like a second chance romance. Dominic is prominent figure in financial world and he is all about work and more work and more money and status (this is where the "greed" comes). But Alessandra can hardly see her husband at home and their relationship is going though the motion, it's especially hurtful because they were once truly loving. It actually doesn't mean that Dominic loves her less, even the first scene where he searches for her through the night shows that he cares about her the most, but something went wrong at some point.

Book 4 covers the relationship between Sloane and her client Xavier Castillo. He could be the prize boy when it comes to making troubles for Sloane. But they have a pretty good shift in their relationship. I do think the whole realization of their attraction a bit too sudden from the Sloane's pov, but it's pretty obvious that Xavier has been secretly having feelings for her and also was oblivious towards the fact. They have interesting dynamics, I'm happy to read more about Sloane herself and her family. Their situations are pretty interesting to me so far.

A Whisper of Death by Darcy Burke. Raven and Wren Book 1

I'll be honest, I was on a "mystery" search, more like historical mystery either with solo female or with couples and I stumbled upon this cover and I was attracted to it. Then I read the synopsis and thought it was pretty good.

Hadrian Ravenhurst (thus Raven) was attacked by unknown man, the incident was ruled out to be nothing serious (nothing serious found, case closed), but Hadrian knew that this attack was not that simple in its' nature. During healing he realized that he now can see visions when he touched the ring he managed to take off the assailant. They could lead them to the truth, but how to explain the visions?

The retrocognition leads him to a house of a man he knew, where he meets intriguing Matilda Wren.

Matilda Wren, who was taught by her father tries to earn through private investigations. Now after the death of her cousin she realizes that the money of her grandmother are gone and with incessant quieries of Lord Ravenhurst she begins to believe it might have been a murder. For a price Tilda agrees to uncover the truth with the earl.

These settings intrigued me. First of all we have some supernatural power, next we have a mystery and investigation. And probably something more between the two. Although there are not many reviews on this one, but the ratings are great.

[NOVEL] King of Pride by Ana Huang

Reserved, controlled, and proper to a fault, Kai Young has neither the time nor inclination for chaos—and Isabella, with her purple hair and inappropriate jokes, is chaos personified.

With a crucial CEO vote looming and a media empire at stake, the billionaire heir can’t afford the distraction she brings.

Isabella is everything he shouldn’t want, but with every look and every touch, he’s tempted to break all his rules…and claim her as his own.

***

Bold, impulsive, and full of life, Isabella Valencia has never met a party she doesn’t like or a man she couldn’t charm...except for Kai Young.

It shouldn’t matter. He’s not her type—the man translates classics into Latin for fun, and his membership at the exclusive club where she bartends means he’s strictly off limits.

But she can’t deny that, beneath his cool exterior, is a man who could make her melt with just a touch.

No matter how hard they try, they can’t resist giving into their forbidden desires.

Even if it costs them everything.

Kings of Sin. Book 2

Well, I'd say it was tame. This is my main impression.

With the world of billionairs and so much wealth you'd think there will be something crazier, but there is actually nothing. So sometimes I wonder why take such settings.

And with how I read a lot of fast-paced online novels that have crazy twists at every turn now books like these feel tame.

Anyway, I'll be honest that I started this book a long time ago, maybe right after I finished the first one, but later I got swept into online novels again and finished it only these two days after I got the online novel fatigue / nothing to read (actually I do but that thing is massive now and terrifies me, it needs my full attention). But I had this gap not because the book itself is boring, it is decent, I just had the mistake of finding that the character I'm interested in (Sloane) is the FMC of the 4th book. I was thinking about her too much while trying to read (you know, something similar to "I have to finish this one and the 3rd before I start the 4th, becuase reading not in order is devastating to me").

And the book itself is kinda, well, it's okay I'd say. Nothing crazy.

On one side we have lively Isa, who is beaming with energy, but actually feels insecure because how unaccomplished she is compared to others. She jumps from job to job and can't find her aspiration.

On the other hand we have Kai, who is so polished and proper. The epitome of high education, proper etiquette and translating books into Latin as a hobby.

Isa considered him boring, he considered her a danger.

But then he heard how she plays piano and it all spiraled from there.

The main "conflict" between them is that "they're not fit for each other". But actually it's not that they don't fit, it's the timing's problem. And the timing of them coming together was right before Kai took part in elections for the future CEO for his family company. That's right, no nepotism and backdoors, he is too prideful to fall below and use any means that are below him.

And of course him dating a girl with purple hair and tattoos who worked as a bartender (even if the establishment was as prestigious as famous Valhalla club that served only to the elite group) became the means to attack him personally. And Isabella was attacked by tabloids as well.

But the thing is, where the pride part kicks in. Kai was too full of himself to asess the situation calmly and realistically, he was too sure of his position and prosects, but then nothing came what he planned. The big deal was postponed, his candid photos with Isabella made a splash and he had to do PR crisis. Only after finally coming back to earth and turning the IQ back online he realized where the problem is.

This situation also put pressure on their relationship. But mostly Isabella. As mentioned she is pretty insecure about how she is unaccomplished compared to her brothers. Her family is actually wealthy, but they're too low-key and they have a policy for their children - do whatever you want, but if you have a dream you have to make it a career, unlike Isa who jumped from job to job and never stuck to anything. her only goal was to write a book, but the most crutial moment of her finishing was when shit hit the fan. And later at the family gathering she did not bring the finished manuscript as she promised. Which was a critical hit. So seeing Kai again who was "revitalized" (he figured out the problem with elections by that point) and her being so... with nothing, she broke up. But of course they did not spend too mich time separated, they were too hurt and too in love to leave each other, so by the stroke of luck when they met they reconciled. And that was it.

Oh yeah and Isabella was published of course (who is surprised), but the sweet part is that Kai sent her manuscript before she finished, the book was her biggest shackle, but when she got the boost of support from the third party it accelerated her creativity. Sometimes you don't need a full book to strike the deal, but she was too timid to let anyone see it, only Kai (like many authors sign to write a trilogy, but the above-mentioned trilogy does not exist yet except the idea and framework).

So in general the story was okay.

My biggest criticism would be following two things:

• Just because of the word "pride" in the title there was no need for the such extensive use of the word in the book.
• It's another example of "tell, not show". In many pieces nowadays the things are told to the viewer/reader instead of being shown through some actions for example. For example MMCs often say a phrase like - She is the most *blank* woman I have ever known. But we don't see this recreated in actions.

RATE: 3,75/5. 

[Chinese BL novel] 别惹他！！ by 沙舟踏翠 / Don't mess with him!!

Summary: Ji Anzhi agreed to fake marry his female classmate who helped him a lot during his toughest times. Mu Yanyun needed a fake husband for her baby conceived out of wedlock and she planned to divorce Ji Anzhi soon after, but wanted to keep the cover for the period she is pregnant. Ji Anzhi had to play unreliable husband, but in his situation it was pretty easy, he's a workaholic.

Although Father Mu and Mother Mu looked at him with side eyes, the one with the biggest opinion should have been Mu Jingsen, Yanyun's younger brother, a successful CEO, broody looking and pretty tough. But who knew that is attitude was an attempt to cope with the feelings he had for his "brother-in-law". Not knowing that his brother-in-law is actually gay through and through and seeing a handsome and reliable man all the time tempted him to flirt innocently from time time.

Actually really liked this novel. It may not be ground-breaking and Jingsen's character is a bit typical, but what saves the day is Anzhi and their relationship.

And because of the settings this novel is not a drama. Well, there are some family "conflicts", but they're not part of the picture.

What we know from the get-go is that this relationship is fake, the couple doesn't even try to build-up a facade, they act very little, don't have the needed affection and sleep separately where noone looks. Yanyun chose Anzhi because she knew him for years as her classmate, but also because this guy won't covet her, she knows he is gay though he never was in a relationship before.

And while they stayed in the villa of the Mu family Anzhi had several interaction with Jingsen. But unlike others he doesn't treat Jingsen as someone special. Anzhi had his own set of logic to evaluate Jingsen as a person. Mu family always felt to act too cautious, Anzhi could even go and beat the guy if needed.

The changes happened slowly and Anzhi who was several years older started to catch some instances that made him think - does he like me? The thing is, with time he started to like Jingsen too.

At first they had little interaction, but later due to the company's higher-up almost pimping him to a guy they had dealings with Anzhi resolutely resigned and chose a younger company but with great prospects. Who knew this new ARM company fully belonged to Mu Jingsen?

At first he worked in a different department and their paths did not cross that often, except late night interations in the kitchen. But later because Anzhi is actually a good worker (not nepotism) he was transfered to a secretary department next to the CEO. And became somewhat a star among other workers, all because others are always nervous around Jingsen, but he treated him like everyone else. he could talk to Jingsen to act more like a human, pull him back when Jingsen was about to scold employees during the meetings. He was not afraid of educating Jingsen.

Surely, Jingsen allowed himself to be bossed around because of his feelings, but Anzhi was always good-natured and explanatory about it. To others Jingsen is this mean boss, but Anzhi always thought that Jingsen is better than bosses outside, who care so much about saving their faces and you need to beat around the bush before saying what you need, while Jingsen is always efficient and straight to the point, what a great boss!

Being together, Anzhi actually picked on Jingsen from time to time (flirting too) they become closer. Actually the part where Jingsen is acting like he is repressing something happened often and it could be felt a lot. It's only after Anzhi confessed to the fake marriage they soon came together (by this time Yanyun already had given birth and was finishing her confinement).

But tbh I really liked them as a couple, they fit together well and balance each other. Especially Jingsen, whose life was a typical work-home situation. Except exercise he basically was at work or worked at home. Anzhi was also like this, but at least he tried to bring something into that dull type of life.

Why I say Jingsen is a typical character, because his settings are like that. A child with a lack of empathy and his family who thinks he has antisocial tendencies. They sent the child away when he was young, so Jingsen grew up mostly alone and lacked connection to his family (explaining why he is so cold to his family and his sister and newborn baby). Outside of that only Anzhi managed to get close to him in this way. 

Anzhi I think is the enviable very social and outgoing type of person. It's not really clear if he likes it or it's a necessity and became part of his life, but socializing comes very easy to him. You can feel how lively his is (comparing to Jingsen he is practically beaming). He pretty much knows that it's an important part of work and life and unlike Jingsen has a pretty high EQ. So after he became a close secretary to Jingsen and whenever Jingsen showed his character Anzhi was there to smooth things. Nothing critical, but it's something that would make life easier.

It's appealing that Anzhi is a smart and lively type of person. But I don't mind that Jingsen is less talkative, but he is reliable. Don't think his type is bad, but in life, someone who can do things like him is pretty good.

The novel is 88+1 chapters long. Though I think it was okay to finish it around 80. They come together in the middle, so there is no need to wait for long. It's a very fast read, quite light, any conflict is bypassed.

Although I mentioned a lot of stuff I don't really re-tell the story. It's hard to do it when it comes to one with lots of daily interactions. But I found them pretty cute. 

RATE: 4,5/5.

[Chinese BG novel] 快穿女配之反派BOSS有毒 by 墨泠 / Quick Transmigration of female supporting role: The Villain BOSS is poisonous*

*mtl'd title which I did not even bothered to change

Summary: Shi Sheng is bound to the system to play a supporting role. She has a mission, but she can't touch male of female protagonists of the story, she can only move things behind the scenes. But the system doesn't know where the host actually came from. He believed Shi Sheng was an author who liked to write books, dig holes in her own stories but not fill them. But then they travelled the worlds and she started taking out things out of thin air and the system never provided her with those, so where sis they come from?

Along the way she has a mission and a hidden mission and hidden mission is connected to a person who seems to be the same person.

This should be world hopping, 1vs1 (ML is one person).

What attracted me at first was the fact that she took out things that did not belong to the plane to deal with the plot. So I started reading it. After two arcs it was obvious that the novel is trashy AF, but was at least trashy and entertaining a tiny bit. Maybe Shi Sheng's ruthless character was entertaining etc. But it all went downhill from then on.

Let's start from Shi Sheng as FMC. She has no redeeming qualities to like her. Although she should be high quality when it comes to strength, but in general I had the feeling like she was simply lazy and indifferent. She is highly indifferent, always repeats a phrase "Why should I help you?", this phrase appears so often that become annoying or why should she do this or that if it doesn't bring her anything. And I don't mean the situations where someone is morally kidnapping her, she is basically like this all the time. Simply egoistic. Although this part is strange, sometimes she can treat others well, mainly some cute girls that find her appealing and cool, sometimes it feels like she doesn't touch a certain category of people like women and children, but from another point it isn't that true? (like one time especially she could watch coldy like an innocent girl lost her life in the hands of some scumbags in front of her and she never helped her even if it was easy for her, maybe just because she was connected to protagonist group I have no idea, this novel does not explain shit). And the thing is, the summary promised some changes, to me she doesn't change at all. I read almost 500 chapters of this (the novel is 2k chapters total) and basically the soup tastes the same. She arrives at the plane, knows the plotline. Because she can't do anything to the protagonist group, while she wants to chop them she basically doesn't involve actively if protagonists don't touch her, or she uses other characters to pit protagonists if they touched her reverse scale. She basically does nothing, has no aspirations except destruction maybe.

Then several arcs in she meets Feng Ci in an immortal cultivators article. This is the first time she accepted the advances of the hidden mission man and they lived for a long time, she had no idea it's the same man. Because his significance was the most ML got stuck with the name Feng Ci to identify him in consequent arcs.

But honestly the ML basically falls in love with her rather quickly in all consequent arcs, as if his soul remembers her, she has to confirm it's him though at first, later this step is skipped. But generally they kinda stick together in a shallow way. What did they like about each other, who knows.

The plots are shallow and not very exciting and simply reetitive. And the summary can be said to be bs, because the promised taking out some bigger props not belonging to the plane does not happen. She mostly takes out unimaginable amount of thunder balls she collected in the 3rd arc when the Heaven's will was punishing her. Or she takes out just the cultivation stuff. There are no quirks to follow, no unexpected tricks, but author acts as if they did something great. Although the system always gets involved because she can't touch protagonists I thought it was a nice idea to see how she could deal with them in a roundabout way. But honestly it's just all convenient and choppily described and she doesn't do that much. From another angle at some point her own situation could be explained as "I have a hidden plot about me", but it honestly isn't that great either, since it is so shallow and author does not bother to explain anything. Like there is a secret about her identity, but then she acts like she knows nothing and at the end she says like she knew those things all along. As if her high IQ allows her to guess everything.

Quick note about the protags and how she can't touch them. Basically, I think this is the biggest loophole. Or just omitted when it's convenient. In general she literally cannot touch them/kill them. She can beat them up, but when it comes to killing she can't do it. The plane will also collapse if she does that. That's another weird point, she will be punished with her points deducted, the system promised if you reach a certain level you will be wiped out, of course Shi Sheng acted like she wanted and she reached that point, but the resut is nothing happened. Also despite her actions she always has her points deducted as if she always makes things worse, it's not like in all arcs she brought chaos and destruction.

Btw her identity. Half the time I forget that Shi Sheng is an "author", tbh I have no idea why she writes in some of those arcs as a hobby, and it's just mentioned in the passing like in one sentence as if author herself only now remembered the setting of her own FMC and decided to remind everyone as well. But honestly it doesn't add anything to FMC or the story. It's such a random thing. basically when she analyzes the plot and how it works she relies on her experience.

But the Plot is acting in the direction of bringing FP and MP together, but really... again author never explains why they come together, it just happened behind the scenes and FMC comments - Plot is at work, while that connection is illogical. At other times FP and MP do not come together, so it's all a matter of convenience tbh.

I also wonder myself why I read this far. Because I spent several days on it. These days I keep a planner to track what I read and what I watch and sometimes put short summaries since my memory may fail me. So I actually started this on 18th, which surprised me as well. But my only drive was to see if there will be any changes, but no, 1/4 of the novel and it's still same old routine like an outline with whatever comes to mind and not appealing FMC.

And my problem is, I like hardcore characters, I like the tougher ones, but they still need to be logically tough and not plainly cruel. And FMC is plainly cruel tbh.

Arc 1. Shi Sheng is a fiance of male protag who is in love with white lotus girl. Whenever something happens they think it's Shi Sheng, which is annoying af. Here comes the scene where I was surprised about how Shi Sheng suddenly has weapons. It turned out she has her own space bound to her soul. Girl full of mystery and we know nothing about her. Since female protag (FP) wanted to depend on the wealthy male protag (MP) she stayd with him although was ambiguous with others. Shi Sheng dug a pit for MP by supporting others in the heir fight. Also his behavior with FP brought him a lot of negative points. ML is a guy who asked her to earn at least 1/10th of his own wealth. Sheng was asked to pursue him but she had no feelings about him and she was basically forced into this.

Arc 2. Entertainment article. Sheng was used by a big boss as a shield, while he loved FP. Sheng opened a company with FP and they became bosses, while she also appeared here and there. Well, it showed that not all protagonists are unsavable. Some had normal IQ. Sheng's mission was obviously about revenge on ppl who used her in previous life, MP and his fiancee. So there were a lot of news flying around when Sheng dug out a lot of dirt on them. After all her hacking skills that appeared out of nowhere are unparalleled. 

Arc 3. This is where Feng Ci appeared. In this arc FP is a reborn person with high cultivation and looks down on everyone. But she framed Sheng several times and everyone believed her (power of halo). While one disruption from FMC made FP bind a demon who was actually behind all the incidents. And another instance where FP killed a girl and MP became suspicious of her and thus they were not on good terms afterwards. Anyway this is why FP was dealt with in the end. Sheng and Feng Ci lived a long time while she was wrecking havoc around cultivation world. She creates so much chaos and destroys people indiscriminately all the time. Not good quality.

Arc 4. Is a zombie apocalypse, here we start having a secret plotline. Which involves FMC's identity. Sheng plays a heroine whose golden finger was stolen by a traverser girl. Sheng's power was changed, she also met her hidden mission who was a zombie king, but actually like a patient 0 of this story. In the end FMC created a new era of zombie kingdom where zombies evolved and became new species. 

Arc 5. Campus story. FMC playes adopted daughter. Her nominal brother actually likes her but he uses childish means to push her away. Like he treats the maid at home well (FP) and eventually dates her, as if trying to get a reaction out of FMC. But since Sheng is here he won't get anything. Sheng did only one thing, she somehow made FP's father win the lottery and they became wealthier. Now FP showed off her wealth and her relationship everywhere. But she was still not accepted by upper class kids of their school. She also used despicable means when it came to few disagreements with other girls. I don't remember if it's this one or probably another arc where MP woke up, dated a girl who stood by his side (not FP) despite opposition of others and they actually were happy, while FP ended badly after the break-up. ML in this one acted like ancestor pissing FMC off.

Arc 6. Was online gaming arc, which is always empty to me, I almost hate it. Author is bad at it, why she bothered to write. FMC just spent most of her time online like others and had a gaming character that was like a legend, hated by everyone. They also hacked the game and had bugs all over the place.

Arc 7. Another martial arts world. FP here is an ex assassin. While Sheng plays as a girl from a famous sect. Forgettable. Like I remember that Sheng left the school and her own family because she didn't want to bother with anyone. ML was a sickly beauty who was cursed and she searched for cure all over. But they had BE.

Arc 8. Paranormal. Another arc where Sheng helped FP and FP actually became a disciple of ML. FP in this one has a spirit body and MP is a ghost king who uses her for cultivation. In OG story they might have fallen, but FP was blindsided. Now she knows the truth and sticks to ghost sister Sheng. Honestly why this story bothers to release some hidden tasks while FMC never bothers to do them seriously.

Arc 9. Messy cultivation (?) story. ML is not present. Sheng is someone from god realm who need to pass tribulation, but her red thread was messed by FP who got drunk and made mistake by connecting several lines to MP. FP came to earth to make things better but Sheng prevented her from doing it, basically tied FP and MP together from the beginning, but because of entangled threads MP will be attracted to the girls he is connected with. He failed to pass. Sheng succeeded. She became a supreme god and did not bother with others. MP lost his memory and had no idea why he failed because of FP. Villai is not ML but someone else. Sheng accidentally led mosnters from another realm who started to dominate it. When she came back she realized that her thread was maliciously conncted again by FP who played "I didn't mean to" card. But she was protected by several people. The backstory is messy, as if FMC's father also had affair with FP's father and they should be half-sisters? Anyway those who protected FP were connected to her mother, the holder of red threads and this is how FP got FMC's. Anyway FP died in the hands of monsters, while FMC tried to severe the red thread but couldn't? I think she ended this world because she had not found ML and did not bother with the rest.

I reached arc 16? Anyway I finished at ch491. And I can't be bothered with this story anymore. It's same old every time. 

I'm amazed I reached this far, but actually at some point I was skipping a lot and reading diagonally, since the premises are same and FMC is the same and it's just a pile of bs. In the end the FMC's cool overlord attitude got boring, it lasted at least longer than the boring plots. But actually here and there things appeared that made both FMC and ML worse and worse. Like some dropped phrases that should be a joke, but are not funny. I won't repeat them.

I just wanted to RANT ahaha